PATAGONIA 2026 (NOW OPEN) | Kristi Odom Photo

Puma Photography & Winter Wildlife in Patagonia

June 22th – 28th, 2026

7-day All-Inclusive Workshop

Unless noted: Photos and Videos courtesy of our friend and amazing photographer, Nikon’s own Jeff Mitchell

Join Nikon Ambassadors Kristi Odom and Tamara Lackey for a truly rare and exhilarating photography experience: tracking and photographing wild pumas on foot across the dramatic winter landscape of Patagonia, Chile.

Set in Torres del Paine, one of the most iconic and magnificent national parks in the world, this all-inclusive 7-day workshop takes you deep into southern Chile’s remote wilderness - an area known for its surreal beauty, glacial peaks, mystical mountains and wide-open steppe. But the real magic is in what you’ll find moving across this landscape: wild pumas. And plenty of them.

This is one of the only places in the world where you can safely photograph wild big cats on foot - and with expert trackers guiding the way, our chances of sightings are extremely high. You’ll witness these elusive predators in action, often as they stalk herds of guanaco across ridgelines or rest in the shadow of the wintry Andes.

Untamed and Private

This experience takes place on Laguna Amarga Ranch, a 6,200-hectare private reserve bordering Chile’s iconic Torres del Paine National Park. Known for having one of the highest densities of wild pumas in all of Patagonia, this ranch offers unparalleled access to photograph these magnificent big cats in their natural environment.

Unlike within the national park, the ranch gives us the freedom to explore on foot—off trail and away from the crowds. This is where the true magic happens and we can see natural behavior unfold. Led by experienced local trackers, we’ll hike across rolling hills and glacial valleys in search of pumas silently stalking their prey, or relaxing with their cubs. The intimacy and proximity you can safely achieve here is unlike anywhere else in the world.

Photo courtesy of

Jorge Cardenas

Beyond pumas, other animals that we may be able to photograph include guanacos, haired-armadillos, Patagonian hares, grey foxes, skunks, rheas, and over 40 species of birds - including Andean condors and Chilean flamingos.

What to Expect Day-to-Day

Each day begins before sunrise, as we head into the field in the quiet early light when wildlife activity is high. Depending on the season and cat movements, we may return mid-day for rest and meals—or continue throughout the day into the golden hour and twilight, maximizing opportunities to capture breathtaking encounters.

You’ll be guided by expert local naturalists and puma trackers who know this land intimately. With their insight and deep respect for the animals, they’ll help us approach with care, allowing for ethical and awe-inspiring moments that you’ll remember forever—and photograph beautifully.

This is a physically active experience, requiring a good level of fitness and a willingness to hike off trail and snowy terrain.

Travel Details

The journey begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, with airport or hotel pickup and drop-off included. From there, it’s a scenic 5–6 hour drive to the ranch.

A Rare Opportunity

Because of the exclusive access and intimate group size, spots are extremely limited. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking alongside wild pumas and photographing them in some of the planet’s most stunning terrain, this is your chance."

EDUCATION OVERVIEW

Hands-On, Real-Time Instruction
We don’t just teach in theory - we are there to offer you guidance while we are out on safari together. You’ll receive personalized, in-the-moment tips to adjust your settings, improve composition, and make creative choices that help you capture your best images while you're still in the field
Mastering Your Camera Settings
From autofocus modes to metering and exposure, we’ll work with you to build a stronger understanding of your gear, so you feel more prepared to respond when that perfect wildlife moment presents itself.
Framing, Light & Timing
Learn how to see the shot before you take it. We’ll show you how to work with natural light, position yourself for stronger angles, and anticipate moments.
Telling the Full Story
Photography is about more than a single shot - it’s about storytelling. We’ll work on building a narrative through your images, helping you think like a visual storyteller as you document this adventure.
Editing with Intention
Whether we’re reviewing images at the lodge or in a post-safari session, you’ll get guidance on editing techniques that elevate your photos while staying true to the story you’re telling.
Growth for Every Level
Whether you're just getting started or have been photographing all your life, the instruction is designed to meet you where you are - and help you grow from there.

DETAILS

Dates

June 22th–28th, 2026

Inclusions

All lodging and meals
In-country transportation
Private puma trackers and local guides
Daily hands-on photography instruction
Portfolio reviews and group discussions
Stunning landscapes, rare wildlife, and expert support every step of the way

Exclusions

International Flights
Travelers Insurance**
Visas***
Immunizations
Personal expenses such as drinks, tips, telephone calls, etc.
All optional activities and/or those not specified in the Itinerary

Cost

Price:
- $12,795 US dollars
$4,200 nonrefundable retainer at time of booking
Maximum 10 Photographers

*Single room upgrade - $500- Based on availability

**Guests are required to obtain their own travelers’ insurance

***Guest are required to obtain any travel documents needed to travel to Chile

Photo courtesy of Jorge Cardenas

INSTRUCTORS

TAMARA LACKEY

Tamara Lackey is a renowned photographer, Nikon USA Ambassador, public speaker, and animal welfare and conservation advocate. The author of nine books on photography, she is also the host of Chasing Frames, a series that explores adventure through photography, on PBS.org.

Tamara uses photography to reveal the connection between wild and at-risk animals - those fighting to survive in their natural habitats and those seeking safety through rescue. For wildlife, that means protecting natural habitats through focused conservation efforts. For animals in need of rescue, it’s providing the safe haven offered at Beautiful Together Animal Sanctuary, the non-profit she co-founded for animals who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. Set across 83 acres, the sanctuary is rooted in sustainability, where every decision - from solar energy to green materials - supports animals, while also safeguarding the natural world they call home. Lastly, her advocacy extends to Coco Bistro, the plant-based restaurant she co-owns, serving “Seriously Delicious Meals That Take Less From Our Planet.”

For Tamara, every photograph, every action, and every space serves one mission: to protect animals, honor our connection with them, and champion compassionate conservation and sustainable change. To see more of her work visit her website, Tamara Lackey Photography.

KRISTI
ODOM

Kristi Odom is an internationally acclaimed photographer, a Nikon Ambassador, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, and a motivational speaker. A photographer and filmmaker, her work focuses on connecting people emotionally to animals and celebrating those who have a connection to the natural world.

Her accolades include over 60 international photography awards including 2 Nature’s Best Photography awards, which exhibited her images at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Her work has appeared either online and/or in print for the following clients: National Geographic, Nikon, Forbes, Rollingstone, Microsoft and Outside Magazine.

Kristi Odom